We live in a connected world. LinkedIn connections. Facebook friends. Twitter followers. Instant messaging. And so on.
You can sit at your computer (or on your phone) and conduct your business, order lunch, buy groceries, watch a movie, discuss the news, shop for clothes, and share personal experiences and updates…
And never have to look another person in the eyes.
Is that really connecting?? Not if you’re going to keep it real.
I joined a co-working space last year because I wanted to get out of my home office and build community. I could walk to the space, and they had a variety of activities designed to bring business people together.
Yet here’s the thing. The community didn’t happen. Why? I’d walk there, go to my designated workspace, do my calls, my planning, my thinking, whatever, and then walk home. Sure, I’d say “hello” to the regulars I recognized, and that was as far as it got.
I wasn’t feeling connected, and actually thought about cancelling the space.
Then one day on my walk back home it hit me. Maybe it was up to ME to set the wheels in motion for connections and community.
And a magical thing happened.
The next day on the elevator I started a conversation with a couple of regulars who work upstairs. Turns out that they are working on a tool that I’ve been researching for my business. Their product is not a fit, but I learned a lot through our conversation. And made a human connection.
Before settling into my space that day I initiated another conversation with a woman I’d said “hi” to many times but had never really chatted with. And made another human connection.
So the lesson is, we all need connections. And the best, most rewarding connections are the human ones. The ones where you look each other in the eyes, have a two-way conversation, and see what you can learn from and about each other.
Take some time this week to step away from the computer and make a human connection. Instead of instant messaging a co-worker, walk to their desk and talk to them in person. Strike up a conversation with a stranger. Reach out and connect (in person) with someone.
“The business of business is relationships; the business of life is human connection.” – Robin Sharma
Till next time,
Karen
